Westport Friends Meeting

June Business Highlights

Ministry and Counsel: Steven Correia, Clerk, presented the memorial minute for Eva Kelly for review. Friends approved. Please see attached copy.

Ministry and Counsel is considering sponsoring a “Quaker 101” course. Meeting supports the concept, though curriculum details and logistics still need to be worked out.

Treasurer’s Report: Deana Chase, Treasurer, reported that Finance Committee is considering acquiring a credit card to use when making purchases for the Meeting. Business meeting recommends that user guidelines be developed and encouraged Finance Committee to confer with Property Committee as well.

Property Committee: Reported by Dave Sutton.
The shed for the tools and mower has been purchased for approximately $1,100. The shed is also now fully constructed thanks to the efforts (mainly) of Dave and Emily. It’s important to note that a cement footing needed to be framed and cement poured before the shed was constructed. Again, Dave did the lion’s share of the work on this! Thank you Dave! The new shed has been duly commissioned with the lawn tractor and tools now in place. The old equipment shed can now be used for storing more books and all is well across the land!

A sandbox has been built by members of Property Committee. Special thanks to Jay and Dave for making this happen. Donations of sand are appreciated.

A Fern Leave Beech Tree in memory of Hayden Tatman will be planted near the rear of the Meetinghouse. As the tree matures, a swing will be added for all to enjoy.

Property recommends installing a drainage channel and pump in the basement of the Residence and replacing shingles on part of the roof.

Due to the deteriorating condition of the Meetinghouse roof, Property recommends replacing the rood now instead of next year as scheduled.

Property committee recommended accepting the placement of a Town bench on Meeting property. Elaine Ostroff, chairperson of the Westport cultural council provided information. The bench will be dedicated to the Kirkaldy family and be placed somewhere in the vicinity of the Paul Cuffe memorial.

Deana Chase reported that the Grange has asked permission to allow cars to park in our parking lot when the farmer’s market opens. They will provide a certificate of insurances.

Meeting approved each of the above Property Committee items and their related expenses.

Web Site Committee: Buddy Baker-Smith reported that the committee met recently. Plans are in the works to reorganize part of Home Page on the site so that it contains current information that can be updated continuously. Other suggestions from Friends are always welcome. Please visit the site at www.westportquakers.org.

Peace and Social Concerns: The highly successful Summer Conversations Series sponsored by Allen’s Neck Meeting is scheduled to be held again this year. Donations from Smith Neck Friend Meeting and our meeting are sought to develop a Web site for the series.

The Series will begin June 7th at 7 PM at the Apponagansett Meetinghouse, 850 Russells Mills Road, S. Dartmouth. The theme for the Series is "Cooler Living in a Warmer World," which will take an in-depth look at how to limit one's contribution to global warming.

Congratulations to Nick Bauer and Larissa Correia who both graduate from college this year!

Nick was recently selected for a one-year internship with FCNL in Washington, DC and will move there soon.